I was favored with yours of the 27th Inst. I am very glad to hear you have sent the wagons on at the same time confess it gives me great pain to hear of the Desertion of our Soldiers and the tardiness of those effected from the westward.

Those officers who wish to resign, I think you will do well to receive Coms. from, as they would be of little service to be continued on the List. Nothing can be done with the western people 'till the Assembly; pray send all on as they arrive and let them know that an Hospital is provided and surgeons at George Town in Maryland for Inoculation where I am directed by Congress to send our Troops to go thro' that operation.